Security Forces Launch Crackdown on Illegal Transport Fares in Greater Kumasi
A new wave of law enforcement activity swept through Greater Kumasi on Monday, January 26, as the Ashanti Regional branch of the National Security Secretariat deployed teams across the metropolis in a determined effort to curb the rampant practice of illegal fare hikes among commercial transport operators. The operation, spearheaded by Ashanti Regional Security Liaison Officer Capt. (Rtd.) Kwame Jabari has mobilized more than 20 security personnel from the regional office, with additional support from various district security units. Their mission: to target drivers, conductors, and loading boys who unlawfully increase transport fares, burdening already-strained commuters. “We are going to partner with the KMA, we are going to partner with the police, arrest those who are charging illegal prices and ensure there’s sanctity within the bus terminals within the Metro points,” Capt. Jabari announced as the teams fanned out to key terminals across the city. “We are starting it today, so we are going to do evenings and early mornings now. Early in the morning, there will be a team at the various bus terminals.” He explained that anyone caught charging unapproved transport fares will be promptly handed over to the Ghana Police Service to face legal consequences. Beyond enforcement, the operation also aims to ease the chronic traffic congestion that plagues Greater Kumasi, especially during rush hours. To further support commuters, the National Security Secretariat is working closely with Metro Mass Transit to deploy buses from selected communities to central destinations like Kejetia, ensuring passengers have reliable and affordable transport options. For many residents, the crackdown brings hope of relief after months of struggling with sudden and unjustified fare increases. As the operation continues, authorities are determined to restore order and fairness to the city’s bustling transport sector, making sure that every journey ends with peace of mind. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Accuses NDC of Politicizing Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Abandoning Promise After Election Victory
The political temperature in Parliament rose sharply this week as the Minority Caucus leveled strong accusations against the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the party used the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, as campaign bait in the 2024 general elections, only to retreat from their commitment once in power. At a press conference themed “Holding Government to Account,” Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, did not mince words. He told the gathered media that the NDC and its Members of Parliament had openly promised voters that the bill would be swiftly passed and signed into law if they won the presidency. “But after assuming office, that promise has been left unfulfilled,” Afenyo-Markin said. The Minority Leader argued that the government’s current hesitancy stands in stark contrast to its campaign rhetoric, especially as public debate swirls around the recent controversy involving LGBTQ-related content in the Senior High School curriculum, an incident the government has since described as an error. Afenyo-Markin also challenged President John Dramani Mahama’s recent assertion that further consultation is needed to refine the bill. He described this as a “play on words” and accused the NDC of inconsistency, recalling that the party had previously insisted the law was ready to be passed. According to Afenyo-Markin, even attempts by Minority MPs to advance the bill through a private member’s motion have been sidelined by the Majority leadership using procedural maneuvers. “When the Mighty Minority members decided through a private members’ bill to now pin them to their own principles, suddenly, after all the processes had been followed, the NDC, through its Majority leader, found a way of using procedure to claim there was no such approval by the Speaker,” he lamented. He maintained that the NDC’s actions suggested the bill was used as a tool to win political favor, and now, facing the complexities of governance, the party was looking for an exit. “We hold the view that the NDC used the Anti-LGBTQ law only for power, and now that they are facing reality, they want to find a way of running away from it. We will insist that they act by their own principle,” Afenyo-Markin declared. The accusation has reignited debate about the future of the controversial bill, with the Minority vowing to hold the government accountable and ensure it honors its campaign promises. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Credits Ghana’s Economic Gains to External Factors, Not Government Competence
The ongoing debate over Ghana’s economic recovery took center stage in Parliament on Monday, January 26, as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged claims that recent improvements are the result of effective government policies under President John Mahama. Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that Ghana’s economy has shown signs of progress, but was quick to dispute the narrative that these gains stem from the government’s own competence or reform agenda. “We have been told that the economy is doing well. That is not in doubt,” he said. “But the question is: Is the economy doing well because of prudent management, or is it due to other factors outside the government’s control?” According to the Minority Leader, the real drivers behind Ghana’s current economic upturn are the ongoing IMF-supported program, debt relief initiatives, rising commodity exports, and a marked reduction in government spending. He dismissed the notion that new social intervention programs or policy re-engineering by the Mahama administration were responsible for the positive shift. “We submit that the so-called gains were not born out of the government’s competence in the management of our economy,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized. “Rather, it is the IMF program, debt relief, rising commodity exports, and reduced expenditure that are the major reasons for the upswing in Ghana’s economy, not any re-engineering by the current administration.” The Minority’s stance has added a new dimension to the conversation about Ghana’s economic future, as political leaders and the public continue to scrutinize the true sources of the nation’s financial turnaround. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Perseus Mining Awards Scholarships to 172 Youths, Deepening Commitment to Community Education
Excitement and hope filled the air as 172 young men and women from Perseus Mining Ghana Limited’s (PMGL) operational communities were awarded scholarships totaling GH¢278,279 under the company’s Edikan Trust Fund. The ceremony, which drew together traditional authorities, community leaders, parents, students, and company officials, marked another milestone in PMGL’s ongoing investment in the future of its host communities. This year’s bursary allocation not only supports the educational pursuits of beneficiaries in various tertiary institutions across Ghana, but also represents a significant increase—GH¢68,279 more than last year’s expenditure. The boost underscores Perseus Mining’s growing commitment to education as a driver of local development. In his address, Alexander Oduro, General Manager of Perseus Mining, emphasized the transformative power of education. “Education equips individuals with the tools to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. Oduro assured the gathering that PMGL would continue to empower host communities by investing in young people’s academic journeys. Board Chairman of PMGL, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, echoed these sentiments, describing education as a catalyst for social transformation. “Education gives young people the opportunity and skills to dream beyond their circumstances and strengthens the pillars of society by nurturing thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens,” he remarked. He credited this belief as the guiding principle behind the company’s unwavering support for the Edikan Scholarship Scheme over the past five years. Nana Agyensaim, Paramount Chief of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area, highlighted the broader impact of Perseus Mining’s contributions. Since the inception of the Edikan Trust Fund, the company has invested over GH¢28 million in development projects, including scholarships, that have uplifted communities throughout the region. Akwasi Gyima Botah, Chairman of the Edikan Trust Fund, explained that the fund was established as a development vehicle to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities within PMGL’s operational areas. Its flagship initiative, the Edikan Scholarship Scheme, provides financial assistance to deserving but needy students at the tertiary level. “Hundreds of youths have benefited over the years. Many have completed their education and are now giving back to their communities,” he noted. For the beneficiaries, the scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in their potential. Many expressed their gratitude, pledging to make the most of the opportunity and to honor the investment by striving for academic excellence. With each scholarship awarded, Perseus Mining reinforces its vision: to position education as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Ghana’s mining communities, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to build a brighter, more prosperous future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sissala West MP Questions Substance of NPP Peace Pact Amid Flagbearer Tensions
In the heated run-up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership primaries, Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Sukparu, has raised serious doubts about the value of the recently signed peace pact among the party’s top presidential aspirants. Speaking candidly on Monday, January 26, Sukparu argued that symbolic gestures alone cannot guarantee harmony within the party ranks. His remarks came just days after the five contenders for the NPP’s presidential ticket put pen to paper, pledging unity, respect for the electoral process, and support for whoever emerges victorious at the January 31, 2026, primary. But Sukparu, like many political observers, was not convinced by what he saw during the signing ceremony. “Whatever happened at the peace pact signing was just documentation,” he remarked. “If you observed the faces of the candidates seated there, there was nothing to suggest that they were demonstrating peace. Peace must be demonstrated, not reduced to a mere signature.” Sukparu went further, calling out the party’s leadership for failing to clamp down on divisive rhetoric and personal attacks that have marred the campaign season. He noted that some aspirants had openly insulted one another—accusing rivals of being “mad,” “sick,” or involved in illegal activities—without any condemnation from the party’s hierarchy. “Right from the word go, you saw some candidates describing others as mad, sick, or accusing them of engaging in illegal activities, yet nobody from the party’s top hierarchy has come out to condemn such behaviour,” he said. For the Sissala West MP, if the NPP truly wants to foster peace, it must go beyond orchestrated ceremonies and signatures. “If they truly want to exhibit the peace they are calling for, they must go beyond mere signatures,” he urged. The upcoming NPP presidential primary is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race, featuring high-profile figures such as former Assin Central MP Ken Ohene Agyapong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, ex-Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. As January 31 approaches, the spotlight remains not only on who will clinch the party’s flagbearership, but also on whether the peace pact will hold firm under the weight of political ambition. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Registrar of Companies Announces Nationwide Increase in Service Fees Starting February
A new wave of changes is set to sweep through Ghana’s corporate sector as the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) prepares to implement higher service charges nationwide beginning Monday, February 2, 2026. The ORC’s decision to revise its fee structure comes in response to the fees (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), which mandate all public sector institutions to periodically review and adjust their service costs. The move is designed to ensure that fees remain in line with operational realities and the rising costs associated with delivering public services. According to a statement obtained by Joy Business, the fee adjustment will affect the entire menu of services provided by the Registrar of Companies. From company registrations and business name filings to a host of other corporate procedures, clients across the country will be subject to the new pricing. While the ORC has not yet released the specific figures for the updated charges, officials have assured the public that a comprehensive list will be displayed at all ORC offices and published on the official website well before the revised fees come into effect. Clients and stakeholders are being urged to acquaint themselves with the forthcoming changes and plan their business dealings accordingly to avoid surprises after the commencement date. The ORC’s revision is part of a broader government initiative to standardize and update charges across all public institutions, following the recent Parliamentary approval of the Fees Regulations, 2025. The National Identification Authority, for example, has already announced similar increases to its service fees, citing the need to sustain and improve service quality. With the deadline approaching, Ghana’s business community is bracing for the new fee regime, one that aims to support operational efficiency and enhance service delivery, but will also require careful planning and budgeting by entrepreneurs and corporate clients alike. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Deploys 121 Nurses to Antigua in New Push for International Job Opportunities
In a significant step to tackle the growing backlog of unemployed health professionals, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, has deployed 121 nurses to Antigua. The move, celebrated at a deployment ceremony attended by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, is part of a broader strategy to create new job avenues for qualified Ghanaian health workers. Addressing the nurses and their families, Minister Akandoh highlighted a pressing challenge facing the country: over 80,000 trained health workers have completed their education but remain unabsorbed by the public sector. “Our commitment is to find innovative ways to provide opportunities for our dedicated professionals,” he said. “Bilateral agreements like this are a win-win for Ghana and our partner countries.” Antigua now joins a growing list of nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, participating in Ghana’s initiative to export skilled health labor. Through these partnerships, Ghanaian nurses gain international experience, while host countries benefit from their expertise and professionalism. During the send-off, officials urged the departing nurses to be ambassadors of Ghanaian values, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as they serve abroad. Several nurses shared their hopes that the opportunity would not only advance their careers but also enhance Ghana’s reputation on the global healthcare stage. For many, the deployment marks more than just a new job; it’s a journey that bridges continents, opens doors, and showcases the resilience and talent of Ghana’s health workforce to the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Six Candidates Set to Battle for Ayawaso East Seat as By-Election Race Heats Up
The political atmosphere in the Greater Accra Region is buzzing with anticipation as six hopefuls have entered the race for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, scheduled for February 7, 2026. The contest promises to be fiercely competitive as parties and supporters throw their weight behind their preferred candidates. The close of nominations on Friday, January 24, 2026, revealed a diverse lineup of aspirants eager to represent Ayawaso East in Parliament. Those who have officially picked up nomination forms are Mohammed Ramne, Mohammed Abdul Salam, Yakubu Azindow, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, Najib Mohammed Sani, and Amina Adam. According to party officials, each aspirant is expected to submit their completed nomination forms at the party’s regional office by Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The party has wished all contenders the best as the internal selection process moves forward, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and transparency. The Ayawaso East by-election is already attracting significant attention from political watchers and the electorate alike. With the February poll fast approaching, all eyes are on the six candidates as they prepare to make their case to the constituency, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting political showdown. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Concerned Importers Threaten Protest Over Alleged Vehicle Age Manipulation at Ghana’s Ports
Tempers are flaring in Ghana’s automotive import sector as the Concerned Importers of Vehicles, a vocal advocacy group, threatens to march on the Jubilee House if authorities do not act swiftly to address what they describe as ongoing manipulation of imported vehicle ages at the nation’s ports. The controversy centers on persistent allegations that, despite clear regulations, some importers can alter the manufacturing years of vehicles arriving from Japan and Dubai, skirting penalties imposed on over-aged cars. The group says this practice not only flouts the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020, which bans the import of salvaged vehicles and those older than ten years, but also fosters confusion and corruption within the industry. Fredericka Ackah, a leading member of the Concerned Importers, spoke passionately to the media on January 25, 2026. She recalled assurances given to importers the previous year: “In 2025, we were told that the ages of vehicles from Japan and Dubai would not be reduced. Yet, some people are still doing it. Recently, a friend of mine imported vehicles from Japan; some had their years reduced, others didn’t.” Ackah warned that these inconsistencies have left many importers uncertain and have opened the door for unscrupulous individuals to profit. “If the Commissioner does not act, we will storm the Jubilee House to demand intervention at the highest level,” she said, signaling the group’s readiness to escalate the matter to the Presidency. The group alleges that some vehicles manufactured as early as 2007 or 2008 are fraudulently registered as 2011 or 2013, allowing importers to avoid penalties for over-aged vehicles. Ackah and her colleagues argue that this not only undermines fair competition but also chips away at the government’s efforts to encourage local vehicle assembly and protect consumers. The Concerned Importers are calling for urgent action from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), urging stricter inspections and vigilance at the ports. “If the age can be reduced, importers will just seek out those who can help them dodge the penalties,” Ackah explained. “DVLA must thoroughly check any vehicle whose age appears suspicious.” She further revealed that her group holds documentary evidence supporting claims of age manipulation and is prepared to present these to the authorities Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chuchuliga–Sandema Roadworks Stall as Contractor Delays Post-Holiday Return
Residents and travelers along the Chuchuliga–Sandema road have grown increasingly anxious as construction on the critical route remains at a standstill. The reason: MyTurn Construction, the firm responsible for the project, has yet to return to the site following the Christmas break. Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga addressed the situation during his first press soiree, responding to pointed questions from the media regarding the road’s progress. He explained that while the project was expected to resume after the holidays, the contractor had not yet made an appearance. “I am reliably informed by my honorable MCE that he spoke to the contractor, who assured him he would be back on site by the end of this month,” Atanga said. “He left for the Christmas holidays and is not back yet.” The Minister’s remarks have sparked reactions from frustrated residents and frequent users of the road, many of whom noted that construction crews left soon after the region’s FEOK celebrations and have not been seen since. With each passing day, hopes for a swift resumption of work are being tested, as communities along the route wait for tangible signs that their vital roadway will soon be completed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com